U.S. patent application number 14/750908 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-15 for mobile terminal device.
The applicant listed for this patent is KYOCERA Corporation. Invention is credited to Tsuneyasu INUKAI, Toshikazu KAWAUCHI, Yasuhiro MIKI, Shinsuke MORIAI, Toshiaki NADE, Masahiro NARITA.
Application Number | 20150296065 14/750908 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51021121 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150296065 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NARITA; Masahiro ; et
al. |
October 15, 2015 |
MOBILE TERMINAL DEVICE
Abstract
A mobile terminal device is disclosed. The device includes a
display module, a communication module, a sound input module, a
sound output module, a hold detection module and a control module.
The communication module is configured to receive an incoming call.
The sound input module is configured to receive sound from a user.
The sound output module is configured to output sound of the call.
The hold detection module is configured to detect that the mobile
terminal device is held. The control module is configured to
perform a process of notifying the caller that the user cannot take
the call when the communication module receives an incoming call,
the hold detection module detects that the mobile terminal device
is held and then the hold detection module detects that the mobile
terminal device is not held.
Inventors: |
NARITA; Masahiro;
(Higashishirakawa-gun, JP) ; MIKI; Yasuhiro;
(Ikoma-shi, JP) ; KAWAUCHI; Toshikazu; (Kyoto-shi,
JP) ; INUKAI; Tsuneyasu; (Kyoto-shi, JP) ;
NADE; Toshiaki; (Yokohama-shi, JP) ; MORIAI;
Shinsuke; (Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KYOCERA Corporation |
Kyoto-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
51021121 |
Appl. No.: |
14/750908 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2013/084541 |
Dec 24, 2013 |
|
|
|
14750908 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/556.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2250/12 20130101;
H04M 1/64 20130101; H04M 2250/22 20130101; H04M 2201/38 20130101;
H04W 88/02 20130101; H04M 1/0202 20130101; H04M 1/0206 20130101;
H04M 1/72519 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/64 20060101
H04M001/64; H04W 88/02 20060101 H04W088/02; H04M 1/02 20060101
H04M001/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 25, 2012 |
JP |
2012-281252 |
Dec 25, 2012 |
JP |
2012-281255 |
Claims
1. A mobile terminal device, comprising: a display module; a
communication module configured to receive an incoming call; a
sound input module configured to receive sound from a user; a sound
output module configured to output sound of the call; a hold
detection module configured to detect that the mobile terminal
device is held; and a control module configured to, in the case
where the communication module receives an incoming call, when the
hold detection module detects that the mobile terminal device is
held and then the hold detection module detects that the mobile
terminal device is not held, perform a process of notifying the
caller that the user cannot take the call.
2. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein, when
the hold detection module does not detect that the mobile terminal
device is held upon arrival of the incoming call, the control
module brings the display module into a non-displayed state, and
after that, when the hold detection module detects that the mobile
terminal device is held, the control module brings the display
module into a displayed state.
3. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein, when
the hold detection module does not detect that the mobile terminal
device is held upon arrival of the incoming call, the control
module causes the display module to display a first incoming call
screen not including information on the caller, and after that,
when the hold detection module detects that the mobile terminal
device is held, the control module causes the display module to
display a second incoming call screen including the information on
the caller.
4. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, further
comprising a notification module, wherein when the hold detection
module does not detect that the mobile terminal device is held upon
arrival of the incoming call, the control module causes the
notification module to notify arrival of the incoming call, and
after that, when the hold detection module detects that the mobile
terminal device is held, the control module causes the notification
module to stop the notification.
5. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, further
comprising a casing with a front surface, a back surface, a
plurality of side surfaces, wherein the display module is provided
on the front surface of the casing, a corner portion of the casing
is formed as a curved surface by the back surface and a first side
surface, and the hold detection module is disposed at the corner
portion.
6. The mobile terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the
casing has a left side surface, a right side surface, an upper side
surface and a lower side surface, and the hold detection module is
disposed at the corner portion at the end of the lower side surface
side of at least one of the right side surface and the left side
surface.
7. The mobile terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the
hold detection module is disposed to extend over the first side
surface and a second side surface connected to the first side
surface of the casing, a radio wave transmission/reception antenna
configured to transmit and receive radio waves is disposed on the
second side surface side of the casing, and the hold detection
module is disposed within the range of the second side surface not
overlapping the radio wave transmission/reception antenna in a
direction vertical to the second side surface.
8. The mobile terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the
hold detection module is disposed at the corner portion at a
predetermined spacing from a flat surface connected to the corner
portion on the back surface in a direction vertical to the flat
surface.
9. The mobile terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the
casing includes a container configured to contain the display
module and a cover configured to protect the container from the
outside, the hold detection module includes a first antenna
configured to transmit radio waves and a second antenna configured
to detect an electric field generated by the radio waves
transmitted from the first antenna, and the first antenna and the
second antenna are stuck to the cover.
10. A mobile terminal device, comprising: a display module; a
communication module configured to receive an incoming call; a
sound input module configured to receive sound from a user; a sound
output module configured to output sound of the call; a hold
detection module configured to detect that the mobile terminal
device is held; an proximity detection module configured to detect
that the user moves the mobile terminal device close to him/her to
enable the call; and a control module configured to, in the case
where the communication module receives an incoming call, when the
hold detection module detects that the mobile terminal device is
held and then the proximity detection module detects that the user
moves the mobile terminal device close to him/her, answers the
incoming call and executes a call process.
11. The mobile terminal device according to claim 10, wherein when
the hold detection module detects that the mobile terminal device
is held and then the proximity detection module detects that the
user moves the mobile terminal device close to him/her, the control
module brings the display module into a non-displayed state, and
when the proximity detection module detects that the user moves the
mobile terminal device away from him/her while the display module
is in the non-displayed state, the control module brings the
display module into a displayed state.
12. The mobile terminal device according to claim 10, wherein the
communication module transmits sound received by the sound input
module to the communication partner, after start of the call
process, when the proximity detection module detects that the user
moves the mobile terminal device away from him/her, the control
module stops transmission of the sound received by the sound input
module, and when the proximity detection module detects that the
user moves the mobile terminal device close to him/her while the
transmission of the sound is stopped, the control module restarts
the transmission of the sound.
13. The mobile terminal device according to claim 10, wherein, when
the hold detection module does not detect that the mobile terminal
device is held upon arrival of the incoming call, the control
module brings the display module into the non-displayed state, and
after that, when the hold detection module detects that the mobile
terminal device is held, the control module brings the display
module into the displayed state.
14. The mobile terminal device according to claim 10, wherein, when
the hold detection module does not detect that the mobile terminal
device is held upon arrival of the incoming call, the control
module causes the display module to display a first incoming call
screen not including information on the caller, and after that,
when the hold detection module detects that the mobile terminal
device is held, the control module causes the display module to
display a second incoming call screen including the information on
the caller.
15. The mobile terminal device according to claim 10, further
comprising a notification module, wherein when the hold detection
module does not detect that the mobile terminal device is held upon
arrival of the incoming call, the control module causes the
notification module to notify arrival of the incoming call, and
after that, when the hold detection module detects that the mobile
terminal device is held, the control module causes the notification
module to stop the notification.
16. The mobile terminal device according to claim 10, further
comprising a casing with a front surface, a back surface, a
plurality of side surfaces, wherein the display module is provided
on the front surface of the casing, a corner portion of the casing
is formed as a curved surface by the back surface and a first side
surface, and the hold detection module is disposed at the corner
portion.
17. The mobile terminal device according to claim 16, wherein the
casing has a left side surface, a right side surface, an upper side
surface and a lower side surface, and the hold detection module is
disposed at the corner portion at the end of the lower side surface
side of at least one of the right side surface and the left side
surface.
18. The mobile terminal device according to claim 16, wherein the
hold detection module is disposed to extend over the first side
surface and a second side surface connected to the first side
surface of the casing, a radio wave transmission/reception antenna
configured to transmit and receive radio waves is disposed on the
second side surface side of the casing and the hold detection
module is disposed within the range of the second side surface not
overlapping the radio wave transmission/reception antenna in a
direction vertical to the second side surface.
19. The mobile terminal device according to claim 16, wherein the
hold detection module is disposed at the corner portion at a
predetermined spacing from a flat surface connected to the corner
portion on the back surface in a direction vertical to the flat
surface.
20. The mobile terminal device according to claim 16, wherein the
casing includes a container configured to contain the display
module and a cover configured to protect the container from the
outside, the hold detection module includes a first antenna
configured to transmit radio waves and a second antenna configured
to detect an electric field generated by the radio waves
transmitted from the first antenna, and the first antenna and the
second antenna are stuck to the cover.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a bypass continuation of International
Application No. PCT/JP2013/084541 filed on Dec. 24, 2013, entitled
"MOBILE TERMINAL DEVICE", which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
Section 119 of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2012-281255 filed
Dec. 25, 2012, entitled "MOBILE TERMINAL DEVICE", and No.
2012-281252 filed Dec. 25, 2012, entitled "MOBILE TERMINAL DEVICE,
PROGRAM, AND MOBILE TERMINAL DEVICE CONTROL METHOD", the
disclosures of the above applications are each incorporated herein
by reference.
FIELD
[0002] This invention generally relates to mobile terminal devices
such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), tablets,
and e-Readers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventionally, there are mobile phones in which a touch
panel is disposed on a display. Various applications are executed
according to a users touch operation on the touch panel. Such a
mobile phone may be configured such that an almost rectangular
display, slightly smaller than an almost rectangular casing, is
formed on the front surface of the casing.
SUMMARY
[0004] A mobile terminal device is disclosed. The device includes a
display module, a communication module, a sound input module, a
sound output module, a hold detection module and a control module.
The communication module is configured to receive an incoming call.
The sound input module is configured to receive sound from a user.
The sound output module is configured to output sound of the call.
The hold detection module is configured to detect that the mobile
terminal device is held. The control module is configured to
perform a process of notifying the caller that the user cannot take
the call when the communication module receives an incoming call,
the hold detection module detects that the mobile terminal device
is held and then the hold detection module detects that the mobile
terminal device is not held.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a
mobile phone.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the entire
configuration of the mobile phone.
[0007] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the configuration
of the mobile phone.
[0008] FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating the configuration
of the mobile phone.
[0009] FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams a configuration of the mobile
phone.
[0010] FIGS. 6A to 6D are diagrams illustrating the state in which
the mobile phone is gripped.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile
phone.
[0012] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating the configuration
of the mobile phone.
[0013] FIGS. 9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating the configuration
of the mobile phone in the modification example.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an incoming call control
process.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the incoming call control
process.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the incoming call control
process.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a screen display example
of a display of the mobile phone.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a screen display example
of the display of the mobile phone.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an incoming call control
process.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a screen display example
of a display of a mobile phone.
[0021] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an incoming call control
process.
[0022] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a screen display example
of a display of a mobile phone.
[0023] FIGS. 19A to 19D are flowcharts of an incoming call control
process.
[0024] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an incoming call control
process.
[0025] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a screen display example
of a display of a mobile phone.
[0026] The drawings are merely intended for description and do not
limit the scope of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are a front view, a rear view, and a
right side view of a mobile phone 1, respectively. In the following
description, for the sake of convenience, as illustrated in FIGS.
1A to 1C, the long side direction of a housing 2 is defined as
up-and-down direction, and the short side direction of the housing
2 is defined as right-and-left direction.
[0028] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the mobile phone 1 may
include the housing 2, a display 3, a front touch panel 4, a
microphone 5, a call speaker 6, a back touch panel 7, an external
speaker 8, a camera 9, a radio wave transmission antenna 10,
electric field detection antennas 11 and 12, and a radio wave
transmission/reception antenna 13.
[0029] The housing 2 may have a substantially rectangular contour
as viewed from the front side. The display 3 may be disposed on the
front surface of the housing 2. Various images may be displayed on
the display 3. The display 3 can be a liquid crystal display or any
other display such as an organic electroluminescent (EL) display.
The front touch panel 4 may be disposed to cover the display 3. The
front touch panel 4 may be characteristically a transparent sheet.
The front touch panel 4 can be any one of various types of touch
panels such as electrostatic capacitive type, ultrasonic type,
pressure sensitive type, resistive type, and photosensitive
type.
[0030] In the housing 2, the microphone 5 may be disposed at a
lower end, and the call speaker 6 may be disposed at an upper end.
Sound is input into the microphone 5 through a microphone hole 5a
in the front surface of the housing 2. The microphone 5 generates
an electrical signal in accordance with the input sound. The call
speaker 6 outputs sound. The output sound is emitted to the outside
through an output hole 6a in the front surface of the housing 2.
During the call, the sound received from the communication partners
device, such as another mobile phone or the like, is output from
the call speaker 6 while the sound emitted by the user is input
into the microphone 5. "Sound" includes voice (emitted voice and
received voice), ringtones, alarms, and the like.
[0031] The housing 2 may have in the back surface a concave portion
2a with an almost rectangular outline. The back touch panel 7 may
be disposed on the back surface of the concave portion 2a. The back
touch panel 7 may be formed as a transparent sheet as the front
touch panel 4 is. The back touch panel 7 may be any one of various
types of touch panels such as electrostatic capacitive type,
ultrasonic type, pressure sensitive type, resistive type, and
photosensitive type.
[0032] The external speaker 8 may be disposed in the housing 2.
Output holes 8a corresponding to the external speaker 8 are formed
in the back surface of the housing 2. Sound output from the
external speaker 8 is emitted to the outside through the output
holes 8a.
[0033] The camera 9 may be disposed in the housing 2. A lens window
9a is provided on the back surface of the housing 2. An image of a
subject is taken into the camera 9 through the lens window 9a.
[0034] The radio wave transmission antenna 10 may be disposed near
the right side surface in the housing 2, and the electric field
detection antenna 11 may be disposed near the left side surface in
the housing 2. The radio wave transmission antenna 10 generates
weak radio waves at a first periodic timing. An electric field is
generated by the radio waves transmitted from the radio wave
transmission antenna 10. This electric field is not detected by the
electric field detection antenna 11 when the right and left side
surfaces of the housing 2 are not connected by a medium bringing
the electric field into conduction. When the user holds the right
and left side surfaces of the housing 2 with user's hand, the hand
serves as a medium to transfer the electric field generated by the
radio waves transmitted from the radio wave transmission antenna
10, to the electric field detection antenna 11. Thus, the electric
field detection antenna 11 detects the electric field.
[0035] Upon detection of the electric field, the electric field
detection antenna 11 outputs a detection signal to a control module
21 described later. During the detection of the electric field, the
electric field detection antenna 11 may output a first detection
signal to the control module 21. During reception of the first
detection signal, the control module 21 may determine that the
electric field is detected. In addition, upon detection of the
electric field, the electric field detection antenna 11 may output
a second detection signal to the control module 21. When the
electric field is no longer detected, the electric field detection
antenna 11 may output a third detection signal to the control
module 21. Upon reception of the second detection signal, the
control module 21 may determine that the electric field is
detected, and then upon reception of the third detection signal,
the control module 21 may determine that the detection of the
electric field is terminated.
[0036] The electric field detection antenna 12 may be disposed near
the call speaker 6 in the housing 2. The radio wave transmission
antenna 10 generates weak radio waves at a second periodic timing
different from the first periodic timing. An electric field is
generated by the radio waves transmitted from the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 but is not detected by the electric field
detection antenna 12 in the state where the upper end portion of
the front side and the right side surface of the housing 2 are not
connected by a medium bringing the electric field into conduction.
When the user holds the housing 2 and brings the call speaker 6
close to his/her ear, the part of his/her body from the hand to the
ear serves as a medium through which the electric field generated
by the radio waves transmitted from the radio wave transmission
antenna 10 is transferred to the electric field detection antenna
12, and the electric field detection antenna 12 detects the
electric field. Upon detection of the electric field, the electric
field detection antenna 12 outputs a detection signal to the
control module 21 described later.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the entire
configuration of the mobile phone 1. The mobile phone 1 may include
the control module 21, a storage module 22, an image output module
23, a front touch detection module 24, a back touch detection
module 25, a grip detection module 26, an proximity detection
module 27, a sound input module 28, a sound output module 29, a
sound processing module 30, an imaging module 31, a key input
module 32, and a communication module 33.
[0038] The storage module 22 may include a ROM, a RAM, an external
memory, and the like. The storage module 22 stores various
programs. The programs stored in the storage module 22 include a
control program for controlling the modules of the mobile phone 1,
and various applications such as applications relating to phone,
email, phone book, map, games, schedule management, and others. The
programs may be stored in the storage module 22 when the mobile
phone 1 is produced by the manufacturer, or may be stored in the
storage module 22 by the user via a communication network or a
storage medium such as a memory card.
[0039] The storage module 22 may also include a working area for
storing data temporarily used or generated at execution of
programs.
[0040] The control module 21 may include a CPU and the like. The
control module 21 controls the modules constituting the mobile
phone 1, such as the control module 21, the storage module 22, the
image output module 23, the front touch detection module 24, the
back touch detection module 25, the grip detection module 26, the
proximity detection module 27, the sound input module 28, the sound
output module 29, the sound processing module 30, the imaging
module 31, the key input module 32, the communication module 33,
and others in accordance with programs.
[0041] The image output module 23 may include the display 3
illustrated in FIG. 1A and the like. The image output module 23
displays an image on the display 3, based on a control signal and
an image signal from the control module 21.
[0042] The front touch detection module 24 may include the front
touch panel 4 illustrated in FIG. 1A. The front touch detection
module 24 detects by the front touch panel 4 the users touch
operation on the display 3 illustrated in FIG. 1A. Specifically,
the front touch detection module 24 detects the position touched by
the users finger on the display 3 (touch position) and outputs a
position signal corresponding to the detected touch position to the
control module 21. Accordingly, the user can feel as if he/she
controls the mobile phone 1 by touching the display 3 with the
finger.
[0043] The user can perform various touch operations by touching
the display 3 with a finger. Examples of the touch operations are a
tap operation, a flick operation, a slide operation, and a long-tap
operation. The tap operation is an operation of touching the
display 3 with a finger and then releasing the finger from the
display 3 within a short time. The flick operation is an operation
of flipping the display 3 with a finger in an arbitrary direction.
The slide operation is an operation of moving the finger on the
display 3 in an arbitrary direction while holding the finger in
contact with the display 3. The flick operation and the slide
operation are touch operations with movement of a touch position.
The long-tap operation is an operation of touching the display 3
with a finger, holding the touch for a while, and then releasing
the finger from the display 3.
[0044] The touch operations will now be described in detail. For
instance, after detection of a touch position on the display 3,
when the front touch detection module 24 has not detected the touch
position any longer within a predetermined first time, that is,
when the finger has been released from the display 3 within the
predetermined first time, the control module 21 determines that the
touch operation is a tap operation. After detection of a touch
position on the display 3 by the front touch detection module 24
and the touch position has been moved by a predetermined first
distance or more within a predetermined second time, when the touch
position has not been detected any longer, the control module 21
determines that the touch operation is a flick operation. After
detection of a touch position on the display 3 by the front touch
detection module 24, when the touch position has been moved by a
predetermined second distance or more, the control module 21
determines that the touch operation is a slide operation. After
detection of a touch position on the display 3 by the front touch
detection module 24, when the touch position has been continuously
detected for a predetermined third time or more and then the touch
position has not been detected any longer, the control module 21
determines that the touch operation is a long-tap operation.
[0045] The back touch detection module 25 may include the back
touch panel 7 illustrated in FIG. 10. The back touch detection
module 25 detects by the back touch panel 7 the users touch
operation on the concave portion 2a illustrated in FIG. 1B.
Specifically, the back touch detection module 25 detects the
position touched by the users finger on the concave portion 2a
(touch position) and outputs a position signal corresponding to the
detected touch position to the control module 21.
[0046] The user may perform the same touch operations as a touch
operation on the front touch panel 4 by touching the concave
portion 2a with the finger. In addition, the operations of the
mobile phone 1 may be controlled through the users touch operations
on the back touch panel 7.
[0047] The grip detection module 26 may include the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 illustrated in FIG. 1B, a radio wave
transmission circuit module 10a, the electric field detection
antenna 11 illustrated in FIG. 1B, an electric field detection
circuit module 11a, and an electric field detection control module
14. The proximity detection module 27 may include the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 illustrated in FIG. 1B, the radio wave
transmission circuit module 10a, the electric field detection
antenna 12 illustrated in FIG. 1A, an electric field detection
circuit module 12a, and the electric field detection control module
14. The grip detection module 26 and the proximity detection module
27 use in common the radio wave transmission antenna 10 and the
radio wave transmission circuit module 10a by controlling the radio
wave transmission antenna 10 and the radio wave transmission
circuit module 10a in a time-sharing manner.
[0048] The electric field detection control module 14 drives the
radio wave transmission circuit module 10a under an instruction
from the control module 21. The radio wave transmission circuit
module 10a includes a D/A conversion circuit, a pulse generation
circuit, and the like, to generate a signal for transmitting radio
waves for detection of the users grip and a signal for transmitting
radio waves for detection of proximity of the users ear. The radio
wave transmission antenna 10 transmits weak radio waves for
detection of the users grip at the first periodic timing in
response to the signal from the radio wave transmission circuit
module 10a. The radio wave transmission antenna 10 also transmits
weak radio waves for detection of proximity of the users ear at the
second periodic timing different from the first periodic timing in
response to the signal from the radio wave transmission circuit
module 10a.
[0049] Upon detection of the electric field, the electric field
detection antenna 11 transmits a detection signal to the electric
field detection circuit module 11a. The electric field detection
antenna 11 and the electric field detection circuit module 11a are
both part of the grip detection module 26. The electric field
detection circuit module 11a includes an A/D conversion circuit, a
pulse generation circuit, and the like. The electric field
detection circuit module 11a takes in the detection signal at a
timing corresponding to the first periodic timing and transmits the
signal to the electric field detection control module 14. The
electric field detection control module 14 detects the detection
signal from the electric field detection circuit module 11a at a
timing corresponding to the first periodic timing, and outputs a
detection signal notifying detection of the users grip to the
control module 21.
[0050] Upon detection of the electric field, the electric field
detection antenna 12 transmits a detection signal to the electric
field detection circuit module 12a. The electric field detection
antenna 12 and the electric field detection circuit module 12a are
both part of the proximity detection module 27. The electric field
detection circuit module 12a includes an A/D conversion circuit, a
pulse generation circuit, and the like. The electric field
detection circuit module 12a takes in the detection signal at a
timing corresponding to the second periodic timing, and it
transmits the signal to the electric field detection control module
14. The electric field detection control module 14 detects the
detection signal from the electric field detection circuit module
12a at a timing corresponding to the second periodic timing, and
outputs a detection signal notifying detection of proximity of the
users ear to the control module 21.
[0051] The sound input module 28 may include the microphone 5 or
the like. The sound input module 28 outputs an electrical signal
from the microphone 5 to the sound processing module 30.
[0052] The sound output module 29 may include the call speaker 6
and the external speaker 8. The sound output module 29 receives an
electrical signal from the sound processing module 30, and outputs
sound such as voice, alarms, and the like from the call speaker 6
or the external speaker 8.
[0053] The sound processing module 30 performs A/D conversion on
the electrical signal from the sound input module 28, and outputs a
converted digital sound signal to the control module 21. The sound
processing module 30 performs decoding, D/A conversion, and the
like on the digital sound signal from the control module 21, and
outputs a converted electrical signal to the sound output module
29.
[0054] The imaging module 31 may include the camera 9 with a CMOS
image sensor illustrated in FIG. 1B, an imaging control circuit,
and the like. The imaging module 31 performs various types of image
processing on image data of images taken by the camera 9 and
outputs the image data after the image processing to the control
module 21.
[0055] When any of various hardware keys (not illustrated) disposed
on the mobile phone 1 such as a power key for powering on the
mobile phone 1 is pressed, the key input module 32 outputs a signal
corresponding to the pressed hardware key to the control module
21.
[0056] The communication module 33 may include a circuit for
converting signals for calling or telecommunication, the radio wave
transmission/reception antenna 13 illustrated in FIG. 1B, and the
like. The communication module 33 converts the signals for calling
or telecommunication from the control module 21 into radio signals
and transmits the radio signals to a base station or another
destination such as a communication device via the radio wave
transmission/reception antenna 13. The communication module 33
further converts radio signals received via the radio wave
transmission/reception antenna 13 into signals in a form usable by
the control module 21, and it outputs the converted signals to the
control module 21.
[0057] The mobile phone 1 as described above has a control function
corresponding to the users grip of the mobile phone 1 and a
structure suited for detecting the users grip of the mobile phone
1.
[0058] <Structure>
[0059] First, a specific example of a structure of the mobile phone
1 suited for detecting the users grip will be described. Only a
structure related to the grip detection module 26 will be described
in detail, and detailed descriptions of the other components will
be omitted. This description is illustrative and not
restrictive.
[0060] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a main body module 201 of
the housing 2, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a cover 202 of
the housing 2.
[0061] The housing 2 may include the main body module 201 and the
cover 202. The main body module 201 may have therein a circuit
board 301 including the control module 21 illustrated in FIG. 2 and
the like. The main body module 201 may have curved surfaces 201a
and 201d at right and left ends of the back surface.
[0062] A concave portion 201b may be formed at the lower end of the
curved surface 201a. An opening 201c may be formed at the upper
side of the concave portion 201b to expose a contact spring 301a of
the circuit board 301 to the outside. Similarly, a concave portion
201e may be formed at the lower end of the curved surface 201d. An
opening 201f may be formed at the upper side of the concave portion
201e to expose a contact spring 301b of the circuit board 301 to
the outside. A concave portion 201g may be formed at the lower
portion of the main body module 201. An opening 201h may be formed
at the left end of the concave portion 201g to expose a terminal
301c of the circuit board 301 to the outside.
[0063] In the main body module 201, constituent members such as the
circuit board 301 and the back side frame may be screwed by a
plurality of screws into the front side frame. Screws 201i and 201j
may be arranged around the concave portion 201b, and screws 201k
and 201l may be arranged around the concave portion 201e. The
screws 201i to 201l may be formed from non-magnetic members of
resin material or Inconel.
[0064] Besides, the main body module 201 may have the camera 9, a
battery, a concave portion in which an antenna used for various
wireless communications is placed, and hardware keys such as a
power key, a shutter button, and others.
[0065] The cover 202 may have a bottom surface 202a and cover the
back surface of the main body module 201. The cover 202 may have a
curved surface 202b at a position opposed to the curved surface
201a of the main body module 201, and may have a curved surface
202c at a position opposed to the curved surface 201d of the main
body module 201. The cover 202 may have a lower edge portion 202d
and an upper edge portion that are ribbed to be higher than the
bottom surface 202a.
[0066] A flexible printed circuit (FPC) 203 may be stuck to the
curved surface 202b opposed to the concave portion 201b. A circuit
pattern of the electric field detection antenna 11 may be disposed
on the FPC 203. The FPC 203 may have a connector 203a for
connection to the circuit board 301 at the upper end thereof. A
terminal 203b may be disposed on the connector 203a to connect
electrically the circuit pattern of the electric field detection
antenna 11 on the FPC 203 and the circuit board 301 via the contact
spring 301a.
[0067] Similarly, an FPC 204 may be stuck to the curved surface
202b opposed to the concave portion 201e of the main body module
201. A circuit pattern of the radio wave transmission antenna 10
may be disposed on the FPC 204. The FPC 204 may have a connector
204a for connection to the circuit board 301 at the upper end
thereof. A terminal 204b may be disposed on the connector 204a to
connect electrically the circuit pattern of the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 on the FPC 204 and the circuit board 301
via the contact spring 301b.
[0068] The cover 202 may have on the bottom surface 202a the back
touch panel 7, an antenna used for various wireless communications,
reinforcement ribs, nails for fixation of the cover 202 to the main
body module 201, and others.
[0069] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating the positional
relationship between the FPCs 203 and 204 when the cover 202 is
attached to the main body module 201. FIG. 4B is a partial enlarged
view of the FPC 204 and its surroundings, and FIG. 4C is a partial
enlarged view of the FPC 203 and its surroundings. FIG. 4A does not
illustrate the cover 202 for the sake of convenience.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 4A, when the cover 202 is attached, the
FPC 203 is positioned in the concave portion 201b of the main body
module 201, and the FPC 204 is positioned in the concave portion
201e of the main body module 201. At that time, the terminal 203b
(refer to FIG. 3B) of the FPC 203 comes into contact with the
contact spring 301a (refer to FIG. 3A) of the circuit board 301. In
addition, the terminal 204b (refer to FIG. 3B) of the FPC 204 comes
into contact with the contact spring 301b (refer to FIG. 3A) of the
circuit board 301. Accordingly, the circuit pattern of the radio
wave transmission antenna 10 disposed on the FPC 204 and the
circuit board 301 are electrically connected, and the circuit
pattern of the electric field detection antenna 11 disposed on the
FPC 203 and the circuit board 301 are electrically connected.
[0071] FIG. 5A is a rear view of the mobile phone 1 in which the
cover 202 is seen through.
[0072] In the rear view, the FPC 204 with the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 is disposed at the lower right end of the
mobile phone 1. The FPC 203 with the electric field detection
antenna 11 is disposed at the lower left end of the mobile phone 1.
The screws 201i through 201l disposed near the FPCs 203 and 204 are
non-magnetic members, which suppress influence on an electric field
generated by the radio waves transmitted from the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 of the FPC 204.
[0073] FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating the right end and its
surrounding of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A along line A-A.
FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating the right end and its surrounding
of the cross-sectional view of a comparative example of FIG. 5A
along line A-A.
[0074] In the comparative example of FIG. 5C, a cover 202' has
vertical edges at right and left ends thereof instead of the curved
surfaces 202b and 202c, and has an FPC 204' with the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 on the bottom surface 202a. In this case,
for example, when the mobile phone 1 is placed on an
electrically-conductive flat plane such as a metallic desk top, an
electric field generated by radio waves transmitted from the radio
wave transmission antenna 10 are transferred to the electric field
detection antenna 11 via the metallic desk, and the control module
21 may detect wrongly that the user has gripped the mobile phone
1.
[0075] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the FPC 204
with the radio wave transmission antenna 10 is stuck to the curved
surface 202c of the cover 202. Thus the FPC 204 is gradually more
distant from the flat surface such as a desk top with decreasing
proximity to the center of the mobile phone 1. In this embodiment,
therefore, it is possible to reduce false detection of the users
grip that may occur when the mobile phone 1 is placed on an
electrically conductive flat plane as compared to the case of the
comparative example.
[0076] In addition, in this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5B,
the back end of the FPC 204 with the radio wave transmission
antenna 10 is distant at a predetermined spacing C from the bottom
surface 202a of the cover 202, which can further reduce the
potential for false detection of the users grip at placement of the
mobile phone 1.
[0077] Although not illustrated, similarly with the FPC 204, the
FPC 203 with the electric field detection antenna 11 is disposed on
the curved surface 202b of the cover 202, and the back end of the
FPC 203 is distant at the predetermined spacing C from the bottom
surface 202a of the cover 202. Therefore, it is possible to further
suppress false detection of the users grip at placement of the
mobile phone 1.
[0078] In the present embodiment, the FPC 204 with the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 and the FPC 203 with the electric field
detection antenna 11 are both disposed at the predetermined spacing
C from the bottom surface 202a of the cover 202. Alternatively, the
FPCs 203 and 204 may be disposed so as to cover a part of the
bottom surface 202a of the cover 202. Also in this case, the FPCs
203 and 204 are disposed on the curved surfaces 202b and 202c, and
thus they are more distant from the bottom surface 202a of the
cover 202 with decreasing proximity to the center of the mobile
phone 1. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the false
detection of the users grip at placement of the mobile phone 1 as
compared to the comparative example of FIG. 5C. To effectively
prevent false detection of the users grip at the placement of the
mobile phone 1, the FPCs 203 and 204 are desirably disposed at the
predetermined spacing C from the bottom surface 202a of the cover
202 as illustrated in FIG. 5B.
[0079] FIG. 6A is a front view of the mobile phone 1 gripped by the
user with the right hand, FIG. 6B is a rear view of the mobile
phone 1 gripped by the user with the right hand, FIG. 6C is a
cross-sectional view of a right end and its periphery of the mobile
phone 1 gripped by the user with the right hand, and FIG. 6D is a
cross-sectional view of a right end and its periphery of a mobile
phone 1 in a comparative example gripped by the user with the right
hand.
[0080] When the user grips the mobile phone 1, the FPC 204 with the
radio wave transmission antenna 10 comes into contact with the base
of the right hand's thumb via the curved surface 202c of the cover
202. In addition, the FPC 203 with the electric field detection
antenna 11 comes into contact with the right hand's little finger,
ring finger, and middle finger from the first joints to the second
joints and their peripheral portions via the curved surface 202b of
the cover 202.
[0081] An electric field is generated by radio waves transmitted
from the radio wave transmission antenna 10 and is transferred to
the electric field detection antenna 11, and the electric field
detection antenna 11 detects the electric field. Accordingly, the
electric field detection antenna 11 outputs a detection signal to
the control module 21 to notify that the users grip has been
detected.
[0082] In the comparative example of FIG. 6D, a cover 202' has
vertical edges, instead of the curved surfaces 202b and 202c.
Accordingly, the edge comes into contact with the base of the thumb
of the users right hand. The back surface and side surface of the
cover 202' do not come into contact with the right hand, and a
large clearance occurs between the FPC 204' with the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 and the right hand. In contrast, in an
embodiment, the cover 202 is provided with the curved surfaces 202b
and 202c, which allows the user to bring the right hand into
contact with the cover 202 with substantially no gap therebetween.
Accordingly, the user can bring the right hand close to the radio
wave transmission antenna 10 and the electric field detection
antenna 11 disposed on the curved surfaces 202c and 202b of the
cover 202. Therefore, the grip detection module 26 can detect
properly the users grip of the mobile phone 1.
[0083] In addition, a right-handed user is likely to grip the
mobile phone 1 with the base of the right hand's thumb in contact
with the lower right corner and its periphery of the mobile phone
1. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, providing the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 and the electric field detection antenna 11
at the lower end portion of the mobile phone 1 allows the user to
bring the right hand close to the radio wave transmission antenna
10 and the electric field detection antenna 11 in a more certain
manner. This makes it possible to detect the users grip more
properly.
[0084] As in the foregoing, according to the present embodiment,
the radio wave transmission antenna 10 and the electric field
detection antenna 11 of the grip detection module 26 are disposed
on the curved surfaces 202b and 202c of the cover 202, thereby to
prevent false detection of the users grip at the placement of the
mobile phone 1. Further, the user is allowed to contact the cover
202 by the hand with substantially no between the cover 202 and the
hand, which realizes proper detection of the users grip.
[0085] In addition, according to this embodiment, the FPC 204 with
the radio wave transmission antenna 10 and the FPC 203 with the
electric field detection antenna 11 are each disposed at the
predetermined spacing C from the bottom surface 202a of the cover
202, which makes it possible to further suppress false detection of
the users grip at the placement of the mobile phone 1.
[0086] Further, according to this embodiment, the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 and the electric field detection antenna 11
are disposed at the lower end portion of the mobile phone 1 where
the users hand is likely to come into contact when gripping the
mobile phone 1. This makes it possible to accurately detect the
users grip.
[0087] Moreover, according to this embodiment, the screws 201i
through 201l disposed near the radio wave transmission antenna 10
and the electric field detection antenna 11 are non-magnetic
members. This makes it possible to suppress influence on the
electric field generated by radio waves transmitted from the radio
wave transmission antenna 10.
[0088] <Modification Example of the Structure>
[0089] In the mobile phone 1 of an embodiment described above, the
FPCs 203 and 204 are disposed to cover the curved surfaces 202c and
202b of the cover 202, respectively. In this modification example,
as illustrated in FIG. 7, the FPC 203 is disposed to cover the
curved surface 202c (refer to FIG. 3B) and the lower edge portion
202d (refer to FIG. 3B) of the cover 202, and the FPC 204 is
disposed to cover the curved surface 202b (refer to FIG. 3B) and
the lower edge portion 202d (refer to FIG. 3B) of the cover
202.
[0090] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship
between the FPCs 203 and 204 when the cover 202 is attached to the
main body module 201. FIG. 7 does not illustrate the cover 202 for
the sake of convenience.
[0091] The FPCs 203 and 204 may have bended portions 203c and 204c
at the lower ends thereof, respectively. The bended portions 203c
and 204c may be stuck to the lower edge portion 202d (refer to FIG.
3B) of the cover 202. Therefore, the radio wave transmission
antenna 10 and the electric field detection antenna 11 may be
disposed at the right and left ends of the lower edge portion 202d
as well as on the curved surfaces 202b and 202c of the cover
202.
[0092] When the user grips the mobile phone 1 with the right hand,
the palm of the right hand is likely to contact the lower portion
of the cover 202 as illustrated in FIG. 6A. Therefore, as in the
modification example, disposing the radio wave transmission antenna
10 and the electric field detection antenna 11 to cover the lower
edge portion 202d of the cover 202 makes it possible to detect the
users grip in a more reliable manner.
[0093] FIG. 8A is a rear view of the mobile phone 1 in which the
cover 202 is seen through. FIG. 8B is a partial enlarged view the
lower left end portion and its periphery of the mobile phone 1.
[0094] In this modification example, the bended portions 203c and
204c of the FPCs 203 and 204 are disposed so as not to overlap the
range of a longer side L of the radio wave transmission/reception
antenna 13. That is, a predetermined spacing D exists between the
left end portion of the radio wave transmission/reception antenna
13 and the bended portion 203c of the FPC 203. Similarly, a
predetermined spacing exists between the right end portion of the
radio wave transmission/reception antenna 13 and the bended portion
204c of the FPC 204. This suppresses influence of the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 and the electric field detection antenna 11
on the radio wave transmission/reception antenna 13.
[0095] According to this modification example described above, it
is possible to improve the mobile phone 1 in sensitivity of
detection of the users grip without deteriorating
transmission/reception power of radio waves for communications.
[0096] The shapes and layouts of the radio wave transmission
antenna 10 and the electric field detection antenna 11 in both the
present embodiment and its modification example are merely
examples. The shapes and layouts of the radio wave transmission
antenna 10 and the electric field detection antenna 11 may be
modified in other various manners.
[0097] FIG. 9A is a schematic view of an outer shape of the housing
2. FIGS. 9B and 9C are diagrams describing boundary positions in
the curved surfaces of the housing 2. In FIGS. 9A to 9C, X, Y, and
Z axes are shown with upward, downward, rightward, and leftward
directions. The rightward direction is equivalent to a positive
X-axis direction, the upward direction is equivalent to a positive
Y-axis direction, and the backward direction is equivalent to a
positive Z-axis direction.
[0098] In the housing 2, the corners of an XY plane and an XZ plane
are curved. For the sake of description of an arrangement example
of the radio wave transmission antenna 10 and the electric field
detection antenna 11, the side surface of the housing 2, on which
the radio wave transmission antenna 10 or the electric field
detection antenna 11 is disposed, will be hereinafter referred to
as S1, the bottom surface of the housing 2 as S2, and the back
surface of the housing 2 as S3.
[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the boundary between the side
surface S1 and the bottom surface S2 in the XY plane is set at a
point P1 of intersection between the curved surface and a
perpendicular B1 to a tangent A1 to the curved surface, the
perpendicular B1 passing through a point P2 of intersection between
an extended line of the housing 2 in the X-axis direction and an
extended line of the housing 2 in the Y-axis direction.
[0100] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, the boundary between
the side surface S1 and the back surface S3 in the XZ plane is set
at a point P3 of intersection between the curved surface and a
perpendicular B2 to a tangent A2 to the curved surface, the
perpendicular B2 passing through a point P4 of intersection between
an extended line of the housing 2 in the X-axis direction and an
extended line of the housing 2 in the Z-axis direction.
[0101] As described above, the radio wave transmission antenna 10
or the electric field detection antenna 11 is desirably disposed at
least to include the curved side surface S1 of the housing 2.
[0102] In addition, the radio wave transmission antenna 10 and/or
the electric field detection antenna 11 is desirably disposed at a
corner including the side surface S1 of the lower portion with
which the users hand is likely to come into contact when gripping
the mobile phone 1. They are more desirably disposed to extend over
the side surface S1 and the bottom surface S2. In such a case, the
bottom surface S2 is desirably disposed so as not to overlap the
longer side L of the radio wave transmission/reception antenna 13
as illustrated in FIG. 8A.
[0103] In addition, when the user grips the mobile phone 1 with the
right hand, the palm of the right hand is also likely to come into
contact with the back surface of the cover 202 as illustrated in
FIG. 6A. Therefore, from the viewpoint of enhancing sensitivity for
detection of the users grip, the radio wave transmission antenna 10
and the electric field detection antenna 11 are desirably disposed
to cover the side surface S1 and the back surface S3, or the side
surface S1, the bottom surface S2, and the back surface S3. In this
case, the back surface S3 is further desirably disposed at the
predetermined spacing C from the bottom surface 202a of the cover
202 as illustrated in FIG. 5B to suppress false or wrong detection
of the users grip at placement of the mobile phone 1.
[0104] As far as any of the foregoing conditions is met, the radio
wave transmission antenna 10 and the electric field detection
antenna 11 may be modified as appropriate in terms of arrangement
position, size, shape, and the like.
[0105] For example, in both the above embodiment and the
modification example, the radio wave transmission antenna 10 and
the electric field detection antenna 11 are stuck to the cover 202.
Alternatively, the radio wave transmission antenna 10 and the
electric field detection antenna 11 may be stuck to the main body
module 201.
[0106] In addition, the radio wave transmission antenna 10 and the
electric field detection antenna 11 are disposed at the lower
portion of the mobile phone 1. Alternatively, the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 and the electric field detection antenna 11
may be disposed to reach up to the upper portion of the mobile
phone 1.
[0107] Further, in both the above embodiment and the modification
example, the radio wave transmission antenna 10 is disposed at the
right side for right-handed users. Alternatively, the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 may be disposed at the left side for
left-handed users.
[0108] Furthermore, in the present embodiment and the modification
example, the radio wave transmission antenna 10 and the electric
field detection antenna 11 are disposed on the curved surfaces 202b
and 202c of the cover 202, respectively. Alternatively, only either
the radio wave transmission antenna 10 or the electric field
detection antenna 11 may be disposed on the curved surface 202b (or
202c).
[0109] Moreover, the radio wave transmission antenna 10 and the
electric field detection antenna 11 are used as the grip detection
module 26. Alternatively, any other sensors may be used instead.
For example, capacitance sensors pressure-type sensors,
heat-detection type sensors, or the like may be used instead.
Various sensors capable of being disposed on the curved side
surface S1 of the housing 2 may also be used instead.
[0110] <Control Processes>
[0111] The control processes using the grip detection module 26
will now be described. In one embodiment, upon receipt of an
incoming call, control processes of various functions are performed
based on detection signals from the grip detection module 26 and
the proximity detection module 27.
[0112] FIGS. 10 to 12 are flowcharts of an incoming call control
process. The incoming call process described in FIGS. 10 to 12 is
executed when the communication module 33 gets an incoming call
from another device.
[0113] FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating screen display
examples of the display 3 of the mobile phone 1 under incoming
control.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 10, when the communication module 33 gets
an incoming call from another device, the control module 21 first
starts the proximity detection module 27 (S101). Accordingly, the
radio wave transmission antenna 10 transmits weak radio waves at
the second periodic timing different from the first periodic timing
of the grip detection module 26. The grip detection module 26 is
already activated at the start of the mobile phone 1. The radio
wave transmission antenna 10 transmits weak radio waves at the
first periodic timing.
[0115] After the proximity detection module 27 is activated, the
control module 21 determines whether a setting for notification of
an incoming call by a ringtone or a vibrating alert is enabled
(S102). The enabling or disabling of the setting for notification
by a ringtone or a vibrating alert is selected in advance by the
user through a settings application or the like.
[0116] In the case where the setting for notification by a ringtone
or a vibrating alert is enabled (S102: YES), when the incoming call
from another device has been detected, the control module 21 starts
to make the ringtone or the vibrating alert based on the setting
(S103). The control module 21 determines whether a setting for
display of an incoming call screen immediately after arrival of an
incoming call is enabled (S104). The enabling or disabling of the
setting for display of the incoming call screen immediately after
arrival of an incoming call is selected in advance by the user
through a settings application or the like.
[0117] In the case where no setting for display of the incoming
call screen immediately after arrival of an incoming call is
enabled (S104: NO), the control module 21 determines whether the
grip detection module 26 has detected the users grip of the mobile
phone 1 while the display 3 is in non-display state as illustrated
in the upper left part of FIG. 13 (S105). Specifically, the control
module 21 determines whether an electric field generated by radio
waves transmitted from the radio wave transmission antenna 10 of
the grip detection module 26 has been detected by the electric
field detection antenna 11. The non-display state of the display 3
may include the state in which the backlight of the display 3 is
turned off. The non-display state of the display 3 may also include
the state in which no image is displayed on the display 3 and the
state in which no information is displayed on the display 3. In
this example, bringing the display 3 into a non-displayed state may
be referred to as terminating display on the display 3.
[0118] When the grip detection module 26 has not detected the users
grip (S105: NO) and the incoming call is not disconnected (S106:
NO), the control module 21 returns the process to S105 and repeats
the process until the users grip is detected. When the incoming
call from another device has been discontinued (S106: YES), the
control module 21 moves the process to S124 described in FIG. 11 to
stop the proximity detection module 27 and terminates the incoming
call control process.
[0119] When the grip detection module 26 has detected the users
grip (S105: YES), the control module 21 stops the ringtone and the
vibrating alert (S107). Then, the control module 21 displays an
incoming call screen R1 on the display 3 (S108). Accordingly, as
illustrated in the upper central part of FIG. 13, the incoming call
screen R1 is displayed on the display 3 with the ringtone and the
vibrating alert stopped.
[0120] The incoming call screen R1 provides a message notifying an
incoming call, the callers phone number, the name corresponding to
the phone number registered in the storage module 22, and others.
The incoming call screen R1 includes an answer icon 111, a hold
icon 112, and a disconnect icon 113. The answer icon 111 is
assigned with a function of answering incoming calls. The hold icon
112 is assigned with a function of answering the incoming call and
notifying the caller that the user currently cannot take the call
by sound, music, or the like. The disconnect icon 113 is assigned
with a function of disconnecting the call.
[0121] Returning to FIG. 10, after displaying the incoming call
screen R1 on the display 3, the control module 21 moves the process
to S113 described in FIG. 11.
[0122] When none of the settings for notification by a ringtone and
a vibrating alert is enabled (S102: NO), the user cannot recognize
the incoming call. Thus, the control module 21 displays the
incoming call screen R1 on the display 3 as illustrated in the
lower left part of FIG. 13 (S109).
[0123] Similarly, when the setting for display of the incoming call
screen immediately after arrival of an incoming call is enabled
(S104: YES), the control module 21 displays the incoming call
screen R1 on the display 3 as illustrated in the lower left part of
FIG. 13 (S109).
[0124] Then, the control module 21 determines whether the grip
detection module 26 has detected the users grip while the incoming
call screen R1 is displayed on the display 3 (S110).
[0125] When the grip detection module 26 has not detected the users
grip (S110: NO) and the incoming call is not disconnected (S111:
NO), the control module 21 returns the process to S110 and repeats
the process until the users grip is detected. When the incoming
call from another device has been discontinued (S111: YES), the
control module 21 moves the process to S124 described in FIG. 11 to
stop the proximity detection module 27 and terminates the incoming
call control process.
[0126] When the grip detection module 26 has detected the users
grip (S110: YES), the control module 21 stops the ringtone and the
vibrating alert (S112). Accordingly, the incoming call screen R1 is
displayed on the display 3 with the ringtone and the vibrating
alert stopped, as illustrated in the upper central part of FIG.
13.
[0127] When the incoming call screen R1 is displayed on the display
3, the control module 21 moves the process to S113 described in
FIG. 11.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 11, the control module 21 determines
whether the grip detection module 26 has detected that the user
released the mobile phone 1 (S113). Specifically, the control
module 21 determines whether the electric field generated by radio
waves transmitted from the radio wave transmission antenna 10 of
the grip detection module 26 has not been detected any longer by
the electric field detection antenna 11.
[0129] When the grip detection module 26 has not detected that the
user released the mobile phone 1 (S113: NO), that is, when the user
is still gripping the mobile phone 1, the control module 21
determines whether the proximity detection module 27 has detected
approach of an object (S114). Specifically, the control module 21
determines whether the electric field generated by radio waves
transmitted from the radio wave transmission antenna 10 of the
proximity detection module 27 has been detected by the electric
field detection antenna 12 disposed in the vicinity of the call
speaker 6.
[0130] When the proximity detection module 27 has not detected
approach of an object (S114: NO), the control module 21 determines
whether a tap operation has been performed on the answer icon 111
(S115). When no tap operation has been performed on the answer icon
111 (S115: NO) and the incoming call is not disconnected (S116:
NO), the control module 21 returns the process to S113 and repeats
the determination at S113 to S115. When the incoming call from
another device has been disconnected or a tap operation has been
performed on the disconnect icon 113 (S116: YES), the control
module 21 moves the process to S124 described in FIG. 11 to stop
the proximity detection module 27 and terminate the incoming call
control process.
[0131] When the grip detection module 26 has detected that the user
released the mobile phone 1 (S113: YES), the control module 21
brings the display 3 into a non-displayed state (S117) and sets the
mobile phone 1 in an answer holding state (S118), as illustrated in
the lower central part of FIG. 13. Specifically, the control module
21 answers the incoming call and notifies the caller that the user
currently cannot take the call by sound, music, or the like.
[0132] Then, the control module 21 determines whether the grip
detection module 26 has detected the users grip while the display 3
is in the non-displayed state (S119).
[0133] When the grip detection module 26 has not detected the users
grip (S119: NO) and the incoming call is not disconnected (S120:
NO), the control module 21 returns the process to S119 and repeats
the process until the users grip is detected. When the incoming
call from another device has been discontinued (S120: YES), the
control module 21 moves the process to S124 described in FIG. 11 to
stop the proximity detection module 27 and terminates the incoming
call control process.
[0134] When the grip detection module 26 has detected the users
grip (S119: YES), the control module 21 displays an answer holding
screen H1 on the display 3 (S121). Accordingly, the answer holding
screen H1 is displayed on the display 3 with the ringtone and the
vibrating alert stopped, as illustrated in the upper central part
of FIG. 14.
[0135] The answer holding screen H1 shows a message notifying an
answer holding state, the callers phone number, the name
corresponding to the phone number registered in the storage module
22, and others. The answer holding screen H1 includes the answer
icon 111 and the disconnect icon 113.
[0136] When the proximity detection module 27 has detected approach
of an object (S114: YES) or when a tap operation has been performed
on the answer icon 111 (S115: YES), the control module 21 brings
the display 3 into the non-displayed state (S122) as illustrated in
the upper right part of FIG. 13, and executes a call process
(S123).
[0137] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a call control process.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 12, the control module 21 first executes a
call start process (S201). When the mobile phone 1 is not in the
answer holding state, the call start process includes establishment
of a connection with the phone of the communication partner,
processing of input/output of received sound, and the like, for
example. When the mobile phone 1 is in the answer holding state,
the call start process includes cancelling of the answer holding
state, processing of input/output of received sound, and the like,
for example.
[0139] The control module 21 determines whether the proximity
detection module 27 has detected separation of an object (S202).
Specifically, the control module 21 determines whether the electric
field generated by radio waves transmitted from the radio wave
transmission antenna 10 of the proximity detection module 27 is no
longer detected by the electric field detection antenna 12.
[0140] When the proximity detection module 27 has not detected
separation of an object (S202: NO) and the incoming call is not
disconnected (S203: NO), the control module 21 returns the process
to S202 and repeats the process until separation of an object is
detected. When the incoming call from another device has been
disconnected (S203: YES), the control module 21 executes a call end
process (S204). The call end process includes disconnection of a
communication network with the phone of the communication partner,
and the like, for example. Then, the control module 21 moves the
process to S124 described in FIG. 11 to stop the proximity
detection module 27 and terminate the incoming call control
process.
[0141] When the proximity detection module 27 has detected
separation of an object (S202: YES), the control module 21 displays
a call screen T1 on the display 3 (S205). Accordingly, the call
screen T1 is displayed on the display 3 as illustrated in the lower
right part of FIG. 13.
[0142] The call screen T1 provides the callers phone number, the
name corresponding to the phone number registered in the storage
module 22, and others. The call screen T1 includes the hold icon
112, the disconnect icon 113, a mute icon 114. The mute icon 114 is
assigned with a function of shutting off sound input into the
microphone 5. When a tap operation has been performed on the mute
icon 114, the function of shutting off sound input into the
microphone 5 is enabled and the mute icon 114 is displayed in a
highlighted manner. In that state, when a tap operation has been
further performed on the mute icon 114, the function of shutting
off sound input into the microphone 5 is disabled the highlighting
of the mute icon 114 is canceled. Shutting off sound input means
stopping transmission of the users sound to the mobile phone of the
communication partner via the communication module 33. For example,
the control module 21 may shut off sound input by stopping power
supply to the sound input module 28, the microphone 5, and the like
and stopping input into the microphone 5. Alternatively, the
control module 21 may shut off sound input by stopping output of
sound received by the microphone 5 to the communication module 33.
The control module 21 may shut off sound input by stopping a
process of transmitting sound received by the microphone 5 via the
communication module 33. Returning to FIG. 12, after displaying the
call screen T1 on the display 3, the control module 21 determines
whether the proximity detection module 27 has detected approach of
an object (S206).
[0143] When the proximity detection module 27 has not detected
approach of an object (S206: NO) and the incoming call is not
disconnected (S207: NO), the control module 21 returns the process
to S206 and repeats the process until approach of an object is
detected. When the incoming call from another device is
disconnected or when a tap operation has been performed on the
disconnect icon 113 (S207: YES), the control module 21 executes a
call end process (S204). Then, the control module 21 moves the
process to S124 described in FIG. 11 to stop the proximity
detection module 27 and terminate the incoming call control
process.
[0144] When the proximity detection module 27 has detected approach
of an object (S206: YES), the control module 21 brings the display
3 into the non-displayed state (S208) as illustrated in the upper
right part of FIG. 13, and returns the process to S202. After that,
the control module 21 repeats a call process while detecting
whether an object is in proximity until the incoming call is
disconnected (S203: YES, S207: YES).
[0145] When the call is ended and the communication network is
disconnected (S203: YES, S207: YES), the control module 21 executes
a call end process (S204). Then, the control module 21 moves the
process to S124 described in FIG. 1 to stop the proximity detection
module 27 and terminate the incoming call control process.
[0146] As in the foregoing, according to the above embodiment, a
call process is automatically started only when the user grips the
mobile phone 1 and brings the mobile phone 1 close to the ear,
which allows the user to start a call in a smooth manner.
[0147] When the user grips the mobile phone 1 and then releases the
mobile phone 1, the mobile phone 1 is automatically brought into an
answer holding state, which allows the user to perform an answer
holding process in a smooth manner.
[0148] Further, according to this embodiment, when the user grips
the mobile phone 1 and then releases the mobile phone 1, the
display 3 is automatically brought into the non-displayed state,
which realizes reduction of power consumption.
[0149] According to this embodiment, when the user does not grip
the mobile phone 1 immediately after getting an incoming call, the
display 3 can be brought into the non-displayed state. This makes
it possible to prevent information about the caller, such as
caller's phone number and name, from being observed by a third
party. In addition, when the setting for notification by a ringtone
and a vibrating alert is enabled to allow the user to recognize an
incoming call, the display 3 can be in the non-displayed state,
which provides an effect of suppressing power consumption.
[0150] When the user moves the mobile phone 1 close to the ear
while gripping the mobile phone 1, the display 3 is brought into
the non-displayed state, which provides an effect of further
reducing power consumption.
[0151] When the user grips the mobile phone 1, the notification by
a ringtone and a vibrating alert or the like is automatically
stopped. This makes it possible to prevent, when the user moves the
mobile phone 1 close to the ear to start communication, the
ringtone is emitted at a close range of the ear. In addition, in
situations where no ringtone or vibrating alert is desired such as
on a train or in a meeting room, the user can stop the ringtone and
the vibrating alert only by gripping the mobile phone 1 without
disconnecting the incoming call.
[0152] The grip detection module 26 and the proximity detection
module 27 are provided to allow correct determination on whether
the user is in a situation where he/she is in a communicable state.
For example, in the case where the control module 21 does not
determine whether the grip detection module 26 has detected the
users grip, when the user holds the mobile phone 1 near the radio
wave transmission antenna 10 and the electric field detection
antenna 12 with the hand, the control module 21 wrongly detects
that the user is in a communicable state and executes the call
process (S123) despite the actual state that the user is not yet
prepared to take the call. In contrast, according to this
embodiment, the grip detection module 26 first detects the users
grip, and then the proximity detection module 27 detect whether the
user has brought the mobile phone 1 close to the ear. This makes it
possible to determine correctly whether the user is prepared to
take the call.
[0153] When the user grips the mobile phone 1, the incoming call
screen R1 is automatically displayed on the display 3, which saves
the user from having to press a button or the like for lighting on
the display 3. In addition, when the user moves the mobile phone 1
away from the ear, the call screen T1 is automatically displayed on
the display 3, which saves the user from having to press the button
or the like for lighting on the display 3.
[0154] <Modification Example 1 of the Control Process>
[0155] In one embodiment, while the user does not grip the mobile
phone 1, the display 3 is in the non-displayed state to prevent the
information on the caller from being easily disclosed to the third
party. Meanwhile, in a modification example 1, an incoming call
screen is displayed on the display 3 without the phone number and
the name for enhancement of security.
[0156] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an incoming call control process
according to the modification example 1. The flowchart of FIG. 15
is partially modified as compared to the flowchart of FIG. 10. FIG.
16 is a diagram illustrating a screen display example of the
display 3 of the mobile phone 1 under incoming call control
according to the modification example 1.
[0157] Referring to FIG. 15, the control module 21 starts to emit
the ringtone and the vibrating alert base on the setting (S103),
and determines whether a security setting is enabled to the
incoming call screen immediately after arrival of an incoming call
(S301). The enabling or disabling of the security setting is
selected in advance by the user using a settings application or the
like.
[0158] When the security setting is enabled to the incoming call
screen immediately after arrival of an incoming call (S301: YES),
the control module 21 displays an incoming call screen R2 on the
display 3 as illustrated in the upper left part of FIG. 16 (S302).
When no security setting is enabled to the incoming call screen
immediately after arrival of an incoming call (S301: NO), the
control module 21 displays the incoming call screen R1 on the
display 3 as illustrated in the lower left part of FIG. 16
(S109).
[0159] The incoming call screen R2 shows only a message notifying
the incoming call and does not provide the callers phone number or
the name corresponding to the phone number registered in the
storage module 22, or the like.
[0160] When the grip detection module 26 has detected the users
grip (S105: YES), the control module 21 stops the ringtone and the
vibrating alert (S107). Then, the control module 21 displays the
incoming call screen R1 on the display 3 (S108). Accordingly, as
illustrated in the upper central part of FIG. 16, the incoming call
screen R1 is displayed on the display 3 with the ringtone and the
vibrating alert stopped.
[0161] According to the configuration of this modification example,
when the user does not grip the mobile phone 1 immediately after
arrival of an incoming call, no phone number, name, or the like is
displayed on the display 3, which prevents information on the
caller from being observed by a third party.
[0162] According to the configuration of this modification example,
it is possible to notify the user of an incoming call with
enhancement of security even in situation where no setting for the
ringtone or the vibrating alert can be enabled.
[0163] <Modification Example 2 of the Control Process>
[0164] In a modification example 2, beside the control process in
an embodiment, a control process of automatically muting the
microphone 5 according to proximity detection is executed.
[0165] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a call control process according
to the modification example 2. In the flowchart of FIG. 17, some
steps are added to the flowchart of FIG. 12. FIG. 18 is a diagram
illustrating a screen display example of the display 3 of the
mobile phone 1 in the modification example 2.
[0166] Referring to FIG. 17, when the proximity detection module 27
has detected separation of an object (S202: YES), the control
module 21 determines whether a mute setting is enabled (S501). The
enabling or disabling of the mute setting is selected in advance by
the user using a settings application or the like.
[0167] When the mute setting is enabled (S501: YES), the control
module 21 shuts off sound input into the microphone 5 (S502). Then,
the control module 21 displays the call screen T1 with highlighting
of the mute icon 114 on the display 3 as illustrated in the lower
right part of FIG. 18 (S205). When a tap operation has been
performed on the mute icon 114 by the user, the control module 21
cancels the shutoff of sound input into the microphone 5.
[0168] When no mute setting is enabled (S501: NO), the control
module 21 does not shut off sound input into the microphone 5 but
displays on the display 3 the call screen T1 with no highlighting
of the mute icon 114 as illustrated in the lower right part of FIG.
18 (S205).
[0169] Returning to FIG. 17, after displaying the call screen T1 on
the display 3, the control module 21 determines whether the
proximity detection module 27 has detected approach of an object
(S206).
[0170] When the proximity detection module 27 has detected approach
of an object (S206: YES), the control module 21 determines whether
sound input into the microphone 5 is shut off (S503).
[0171] When sound input into the microphone 5 is shut off (S503:
YES), the control module 21 cancels the shutoff of sound input into
the microphone 5 (S504). After that, the control module 21 brings
the display 3 into the non-displayed state (S208), and returns the
process to S202.
[0172] When sound input into the microphone 5 is not shut off
(S503: NO), the control module 21 brings the display 3 into the
non-displayed state as illustrated in the upper right part of FIG.
18 (S208), and returns the process to S202.
[0173] After that, the control module 21 repeats the call process
while detecting whether an object is in proximity until the
incoming call is disconnected (S203: YES, S207: YES).
[0174] According to the configuration of this modification example,
when the user moves the mobile phone 1 away from the ear during a
call, sound input into the microphone 5 is automatically shut off,
which saves the user from having to perform a tap operation on the
mute icon 114 to shut off sound input.
[0175] According to the configuration of this modification example,
the user can quickly shut off sound input into the microphone 5
during communication by moving the mobile phone 1 away from the
ear. Therefore, the user can prevent undesired conversations,
sounds, and the like from being transferred to the communication
partner.
[0176] <Modification Example 3 of the Control Process>
[0177] In the modification example 3, besides the control process
in an embodiment, a control process for volume adjustment using the
back touch panel 7 is executed.
[0178] FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts of a call control process
in a modification example 3. In the flowchart of FIGS. 19A and 19B,
some steps are added to the flowchart of FIG. 12. FIG. 19C is a
schematic rear view of the mobile phone 1, and FIG. 19D is a
schematic diagram illustrating a situation during a phone
conversation.
[0179] In the call control process of FIG. 12, when the user has
the mobile phone 1 close to the ear (S201, S203: NO), the control
module 21 determines whether a flick operation has been performed
on the back touch panel 7 (S601). When a flick operation has been
performed on the back touch panel 7 (S601: YES), the control module
21 adjusts the volume of the call speaker 6 according to the flick
operation (S602).
[0180] Similarly, when the user does not have the mobile phone 1
close to the ear (S205, S207: NO), the control module 21 determines
whether a flick operation has been performed on the back touch
panel 7 (S603). When a flick operation has been performed on the
back touch panel 7 (S603: YES), the control module 21 adjusts the
volume of the call speaker 6 according to the flick operation
(S604).
[0181] As illustrated in FIG. 19C, for example, when an upward
flick operation has been performed on the back touch panel 7, the
control module 21 increases the volume of the call speaker 6, and
when a downward flick operation has been performed on the back
touch panel 7, the control module 21 decreases the volume of the
call speaker 6.
[0182] According to the configuration of this modification example,
the volume of the call speaker 6 can be adjusted by a flick
operation on the back touch panel 7. Therefore, as illustrated in
FIG. 19D, the user can easily adjust the volume of the call speaker
6 even with the mobile phone 1 close to his/her ear.
[0183] In this modification example, when an upward or downward
flick operation has been performed on the back touch panel 7, the
volume of the call speaker 6 is adjusted. In addition, when a
rightward or leftward flick operation has been performed on the
back touch panel 7, the volume of the microphone 5 may be adjusted.
Further, an operation on the back touch panel 7 may be any touch
operation other than a flick operation.
[0184] <Modification Example 4 of the Control>
[0185] The incoming control processes in the case where the user
does not grip the mobile phone 1 when getting an incoming call are
described. In relation to modification example 4, an incoming call
process in the case where the user grips the mobile phone 1 when
getting an incoming call will be described below.
[0186] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an incoming call control process
in the modification example 4. The flowchart of FIG. 20 is
modification of the flowchart of FIG. 10 and FIG. 20 shows some
steps including the modified steps. FIG. 21 is a diagram
illustrating a screen display example of the display 3 of the
mobile phone 1 under incoming call control in the modification
example 4.
[0187] Referring to FIG. 20, when the communication module 33 has
got an incoming call from another device, the control module 21
first starts the proximity detection module 27 (S101). Then, the
control module 21 determines whether the grip detection module 26
has detected the users grip of the mobile phone 1 at the time of
arrival of the incoming call (S701).
[0188] When the grip detection module 26 has not detected the users
grip of the mobile phone 1 at the time of arrival of the incoming
call (S701: NO), the control module 21 moves the process to S102
described in FIG. 10, and switches between display and non-display
states of the display 3 or switches on and off states of the
notification process by a ringtone or a vibrating alert, and the
like based on the grip state of the mobile phone 1.
[0189] When the grip detection module 26 has detected the users
grip of the mobile phone 1 at the time of arrival of the incoming
call (S701: YES), the control module 21 determines whether the
setting for notification by a ringtone or a vibrating alert is
enabled (S702).
[0190] The setting for notification by a ringtone or a vibrating
alert is enabled (S702: YES), the control module 21 starts to emit
the ringtone and the vibrating alert based on the setting (S703).
The control module 21 displays the incoming call screen R1 on the
display 3 (S704). Accordingly, the incoming call screen R1 is
displayed on the display 3 with emission of the ringtone and the
vibrating alert as illustrated in the upper left part of FIG.
21.
[0191] When no setting for notification by a ringtone or a
vibrating alert is enabled (S702: NO), the control module 21
displays the incoming call screen R1 on the display 3 (S704).
[0192] After that the control module 21 moves the process to S113
described in FIG. 11 and executes the process for call answering,
answer holding, or the like, according to the state of the
detection by the grip detection module 26 and the state of the
detection by the proximity detection module 27, as in an
embodiment.
[0193] According to the configuration of this modification example,
in a situation where the user grips and operates the mobile phone
1, the display 3 is not brought into the non-displayed state and
the notification of an incoming call by a ringtone or a vibrating
alert is not disabled. This allows the user to know correctly the
arrival of an incoming call during operation of the mobile phone
1.
[0194] In the foregoing example, the ringtone and the vibrating
alert is stopped only when the user answers an incoming call by
bringing the mobile phone 1 close to the ear or operating the
answer icon 111. However, after lapse of a predetermined period of
time (the time long enough for the user to recognize the incoming
call, for example, several seconds) after arrival of an incoming
call, the ringtone or the like may be automatically stopped. It is
possible to prevent the ringtone from being emitted at close range
of the ear by bringing the mobile phone close to the ear after
stoppage of the ring tone or the like.
[0195] <Others>
[0196] As in the foregoing, an embodiment and potential
modification examples are described. However, the disclosure is not
limited to the above, and it may be further modified in various
manners other than those described above within the scope of
technical ideas described.
[0197] For example, in the above description, the incoming call
control process is continued until the incoming call is
disconnected. Alternatively, after lapse of a predetermined period
of time, an automatic answering function may be executed. In this
case, the control module 21 starts a time measurement process at a
timing for start of the incoming call process, and after lapse of
the predetermined period of time, executes the automatic answering
function.
[0198] The disclosure is not limited to the mobile phone but is
also applicable to various mobile terminal devices such as personal
digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and electronic book terminals.
One or more of the functions described in this document may be
performed by an appropriately configured module, part or unit. The
terms "module," "part" or "unit" as used herein, individually or
collectively refer to hardware, firmware, software and any
associated hardware that executes the software, or any combination
of these elements for performing the associated functions described
herein. Additionally, various modules, parts or units can be
discrete modules, parts or units. As would be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art, however, two or more modules, parts or
units may be combined to form a single module, part or unit,
respectively, that performs the associated functions according to
various embodiments of the disclosure. Conversely, a single module,
part or unit may be divided into two or more modules, parts or
units, respectively, that perform respective associated functions
according to various embodiments of the disclosure.
* * * * *